Street-box for underground mains.



Patented Feb. I3, |900.'

C. H. CAMPBELL.

STREET BOX FUR' UNDERGROUND MAINS.

(Appxiction mea may 25, 1899.)

2 Shoste-Shveet l.

(No Model.)

bHi-rcsses N0. 643,!08. Patented Feb. I3, |900.

C. H. CAMPBELL. STREET BOX FOR UNDERGROUND MAINS.

(Application iled Hay 25, 1899.)

.uw Modes.) 2 sheets-sheet 2.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES HENRY OAMPBELL, OF CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA.

STREET-BOXVFOR UNDERGROUND MAINS.

SFECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N o. 643,108, datedFebruary 13, 1900.

Application filed May 25, 1899.

Mains, of which the following is a speciflcation.

My invention relates to improvements in street-boxes for undergroundservice-mains employed for conveying fluids, such as watermains; and theprimary object is to provide a means for protecting water-meters orstopcocks against the depredationsv of malicious persons and also toprotect the meter against bad weather conditions, seepage of water, orthe influence of rain.

Afurther object is to provide an improved looking device for thebox-cover which will securely fasten said cover in place and which willbe easily operated by authorized persons to obtain access to the box.

A further object is to improve the construction of the box with a viewto facilitating its expeditions application to the underground main.

A further object is to provide a construction admitting of the use ofterra-cotta in the manufacture of the street-box and which constructionaffords means for the application and locking of the cover to the box,the employment of the terra-cotta material being desirable because ofeconomy in manufacture and of its freedom from corrosive tendencies.

With these ends in view the invention consists in the novel combinationof elements and in the construction and arrangement of parts, which willbe hereinafter fully described and claimed.

a detail section of the upper part of the terra- Serial No. 71 8,144.(No model.)

cotta box, showing the cover fastened to a divided metallic clamp. Fig.7 is a plan View of the box with the clamp fitted thereto and showingthe cover removed. Fig. S is a detail perspective view of the two partsof the metallic cover-clamp. Fig. 9 is a detail perspective view of aterra-cotta street-box, illustratinga cylindrical construction thereofprovided with integral lugs at its upper edge adapted for engagementwith the cover-retaining clamp. Fig. 10 is a similar view of anotherembodiment of the terra-cotta streetbox embodying the features of theconstruction shown by Fig. 9, but illustrating a generally rectangularor oblong shape of the street-box. Fig. 11 is a detail perspective viewof a solid clamping-plate for the terracottabox of Fig. lO. Fig. 12 is avertical section through the terra-cotta box with the plate applied.Fig. 13 is a side elevation of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a perspective of acylindrical straight terra-cotta box. Fig. 15 is a detail of theclamping-plate. Fig. 16 is a vertical section of the box and plate shownby Figs. 14 and 15.

The same reference-numerals denote like and corresponding parts'in eachof the several figures of the drawings.

The street-box 10 consists, essentially, of two sections,(indicated bythe numerals 11 and 12,) although the number of sections may beincreased, according to the depth of the service-main below thestreet-surface. In the embodiment of the invention represented by Fig. 1the box has each section thereof cast in a single piece of metal, andthe upper boxsection 11 is formed with a bell-shaped mouth 13, having anintegral flange 14, which extends inwardly within the mouth. The lowerend of the upper box-section 11 is provided at diametrically oppositepoints with vertical recesses 15, adapted to lit the service main orpipe. The lower box-section 12 is closed at its bottom. As shown by Fig.1, the lower box-section 12 is not provided with recesses in its upperedge; but in the terra-cotta lbox shown by Fig. 4 this lower closedbox-section has recesses 16, arranged similar to the recesses 15 of theupper box-section. It is evident that the lower section 12 of themetallic box in Fig. 1 may be constructed ina IOO similar way to thecorresponding section of the box in Fig. 4. The two metallicbox-sections are provided near their contiguous ends with the lugs 16a,which are adapted to receive the clamping-bolts 16h, which tend to unitethe two box-sections together and clamp the same iirmly around theservice main or pipe 19. This main or pipe is equipped with aWater-meter 20, which is disposed within the street-box and is protectedthereby against bad weather conditions or the accumulation of water; butin lieu of this meter or in conjunction therewith I may employ astop-cock designed to cut off the tiow of water to the dwelling orthrough the service-main. The described construction of the metallic boXprovides for its ready application to the underground main, because thelower section 12 may be fitted below the main or pipe 19 for the latterto enter the recesses 16, and said lower box-section may then be liftedor slipped into place. The upper box-section may be fitted inlike mannerto the upper side of the pipe for the latter to enter the recesses 15inthe foot of the box-section, and the two sections 11 12 may then bedrawn closely together by the bolts which pass through the lugs 16a.

My invention also contemplates the use of the material known asterra-cotta in the manufacture of the street-box for economy and becausethis material is free from corrosive tendencies, and to adapt theinvention to material of this character l iind it desirable to somewhatmodify the construction of the metallic box hereinbefore described. Theterra-cotta streetbox is designed to be made in two or more sections,and the sections which lie contiguous to the service-main are providedwith the main-receiving recesses 15 16 in their contiguous ends. Thelower section of the terra-cotta box, however, is of a diameterexceeding the upper section,in order that the two sections may iittelescopically together, and the lower box-section is provided with aninternal annular recess or groove 17, adapted to surround the upperboxsection and also designed to receive a suitable filling medium, suchas cement, (indicated at 18.) The cement filling provides a jointbetween the meeting ends of the boxsection that thoroughly excludesseepage of water into the box around the meter or stopcock.

In my present invention I have provided a novel closure and lockingcontrivance for the upper end of the street-box, and said constructionof the cover and its locking device is available in either thecast-metal construction or the terra-cotta construction of thestreet-box, except that in the latter instance it is desirable toprovide a metallic clamp which affords a protection to the terra-cottabox and a means for engagement rmly with the locking contrivance ot' thecover. The

vcover 21 is cast in a single piece of metal to rest upon the upper edgeor face of the bellshaped mouth 13 of the street-box, and said cover hasa series of curved lugs 22 23, which are adapted to engage with theinwardly-projecting iange 14 of the cast-metal street-box. The cover isalsc provided with a central boss or cavity 24, which is pierced by avertical aperture 25, and on the lower or under surface of the cover isformed the keeper or loop 26, the guide-lugs 27, and the stop-lugs 27%The keeper or loop 26 lies near one edge of the cover, and the guide-lugs occupy positions on the cover between the keeper and the centralaperture 25, said lugs being spaced to slidably confine the lockingboltbetween themselves, as will hereinafter appear. A vertical spindle 2S isfitted loosely in the central aperture of the cover for its head 29 tolie within the cavity 24 of said cover, and the lower part of thisspindle is squared or made of polygonal form, as at 30, and is furthermore provided with a transverse aperture 31. A curved oreccentric-shaped arm 32 is cast in a single piece with a head 33, asquared or polygonal opening in which receives the angular part 30 ofthe vertical operating-spindle, and this curved arm is held in positionon the spindle by means of a pin or key 31, which is thrust through theaperture 31 of said spindle. The curved arm is thus connected detachablyto the spindle in order to turn therewith, and the axial movement of thespindle and the curved arm therewith is limited by the stop-lugs 27,which are provided on the underside of the cover in the path of the armand are spaced at a proper distance from one another to permit saidcurved arm to have-asuficient travel forthe operatic-n of thelocking-bolt 34. This locking-bolt is fitted loosely in the keeper 26and between the guidelugs 27, so as to have endwise orslidable-movement, and said lockingbolt thus occupies a radial positionbetween the vertical spindle and the edge of the cover. The inner end ofthe locking-bolt is formed with a pair of spaced lugs forming the jaw35, which is iitted loosely to the curved arm 32 on theoperating-spindle, and said jaw rests upon the curved arm to make thelattersupport the inner end of the locking-bolt. The jaw embraces thecurved arm, so as to loosely connect the bolt to the arm, and when thearm moves with the spindle the jaw actuates the locking-bolt to projector retract the latter. After the cover is titted to the mouth ot' thestreet-box for its lugs to engage with the ange the spindle may beturned in one direction to move the eccentric arm 32 a distancepermitted by one of the stop-lugs 27, and this movement of the arm withthe spindle actuates the locking-bolt to project the latter beyond theedge of the coverl and into engagement with the flange 14, thuscontining t-he cover securely in place on the streetbox. A reverseoperation of the spindle moves the curved arm in an opposite directionfor IOO IIO

a distance permitted by the other stop-lug 27, and said arm thereuponretracts the lockingbolt from engagement with the flanged mouth of thestreet-box, thus releasing the cover and enabling it to be readilyremoved for the attendant to obtain access to the interior of the box.

A key 35n is provided for the operation of the spindle in order toadjust the locking-bolt, and this key is furnished with a socket adaptedto fit the polygonal head 29 of the operating-spindle.

It will be understood that the construction of the cover and lockingdevice hereinbefore described may be employed in connection with aterra-cotta construction of the street-box; but as it is not desirableto provide the bellshaped mouth of the terra-cotta box with aninwardly-projecting iiange, because of the liability of the flange tobecome broken, I resort to the employment of a metallic clamp, whichaffords a protection to the exposed upper end of the street-box and as ameans for the engagement of the locking-bolt. This metallic clamp mayconsist of members (indicated at 36 37) which conform to the shape anddimensions of the box and are adapted to be tted into snug relationthereto. The two -part clamp has its members provided with recessedends, forming lapped joints 38, adapted to receive a filling of cementor paint, as at' 40. Said metallic clamp is provided with curved arms41, which are arranged to iit the bellshaped mouth of the terra-cottaconstruction of street-box in order to hold the clamp firmly in place;but in case the clamp is used in connection with the iianged street-boxthe arms 41 of the clamp should be positioned and curved to engage withthe flange. The two members of the divided clamp are provided at theircontiguous ends with lugs 42, adapted to receive the bolts 43, whichserve to draw the members of the clamp together and to confine saidclamp into firm engagement with the upper end of the box.

I would have it understood that myinvention is not restricted to anyparticular shape and dimensions of the street-box. Ashereinbeforeindicated, I prefer to make the streetbox of terra-cotta,because this material is not liable to corrode when buried in the groundfor a long time, and it can be manufactured very economically. In Figs.9 and 10 of the drawings I have represented different forms ofterra-cotta constructions adapted for use as street-boxes in connectionwith servicemains which may be buried at variable distances below thesurface of the ground, and in Fig. 9 a cylindrical construction of thestreet-box is represented, while in Fig. 10 a generally rectangular oroblong street-box is shown. The different shapes are illustrated toindicate that the contour of the street-box is not important, and it istherefore to be understood that any suitable shape and dimensions may beadopted without departing from the spirit of the invention. The

terra-cotta construction of street-box represented by Figs. 9 and 10overcomes the employment of the bell-shaped mouth at the upper end ofthe box, and to p'rovide for the retention of the cover-holding clamp Iprovide a street-box with lugs 44, which are arranged at suitableintervals on the outside of the box and at the upper end thereof inpositions for the upper faces of said lugs to lie substantially flushwith the upper edge of the box. These lugs are made integral, and it isevident that the clamp may be applied around the street-box in order toengage with the lugs, which will serve to hold the clamp againstdisplacement.

It is well known to those familiar with this art that the service-mainsare buried diiferent distances below the surface of the street, and inthe terra-cotta construction of street-box shown by Figs. 9 and l0 Iprovide the lower end of the box with vertical slots 45, whichcorrespond to the slots in the two-part construction of street-box shownby Figs. 4 and 5. It will be understood that the street-box shown byFig. 9 or by Fig. 10 consists in a single piece, thus dispensing withthe lower vor bottom section, and as the slots 45 open` through thelower edge of the one-piece box it is evident that said box may befitted to pipes which are buried at different distances in the ground,the elongated slots compensatin g for variations in the depths of theservice-pipes and permitting the street-box to be adj usted for theupper end thereof to lie flush with the surface of the street or ground.

The metallic clamp shown by Fig. 8 may readily be fitted to thestreet-box shown by Figs. 9 or 10, and this clamp provides a flange orledge within which the cover may be fitted. For conveniently applyingthe metallic coverretaining clamp to the terra-cotta box heretoforedescribed I have found it desirable to make this clamp in two pieces,sothat the lugs thereon may be engaged with the bell-mouth or lugs of aterra-cotta box; but this sectional construction of the clamp is notstrictly necessary, because the clamp may be made or cast in a singlepiece of metal, as represented by Figs. ll, 12, and 13. The solidclamping plate shown by Fig. 1l is provided on two of its sides withinwardly-curved lugs 47. On one of the remaining sides of said plate isan inwardly-curved lug 48,and on the remaining side is a perforated lug49. The lugs 48 49 are on opposite sides of the plate, and theperforated lug 49 extends straight out from one edge of the plate, sothat a bolt may be passed therethrough.

In the construction of the terra-cotta box shown by Figs. 10, 12, and 13the lug 50 on one side is slotted, and in assembling the solid clamp 46to the terracotta box of Figs. lO, 12., and 13 the clamp is fitted onthe top edge of the box for its lugs 47 to lie at one side of the lugs44. The clamp-plate is now moved edgewise to make the lug 48 and thelugs 47 approach the lugs 44, so that they will IOO IOS

IIO

engage therewith to hold the clamp plate against any lifting tendency,and in this adjustment of the plate 46 the perforated lug 49 thereof ismade to register with the slotted lug 50 on the box. A vertical bolt 5lmay now be passed through the perforated lug 49 of the clamp and theslotted lug 50 of the box, and to the lower end of this bolt is iitted awasher 52, which bears against the bottom edge of the slotted lug 50. Anut 53 is now screwed on the bolt to draw the clamp into firm engagementwith the box, and the clamp is thus secured detachably on the box in aposition to protect the upper edge of the box and to receive the coverand the locking-bolt.

thereof.

In the construction of the terra-cotta box shown by Figs. 14 to 16,inclusive, the box consists of a straight cylindrical length ofterra-cotta, with slots in the lower edge thereof, and this box isdevoid of the bell-shaped upper end or the lugs. The solid clamp 54conforms in contour to the cross-section of the box; but its diameterexceeds that of the box in order that the annular clamp may bear uponthe upper edge of the circular box. This annular clamp 54 is cast in asingle piece with lugs 55, that project from opposite edges thereof.Fastening rods 56 are arranged alongside of the box, and the lower endsof said rods are provided with hooks 57, which are adapted to take orfit around the edge at the lower open end of the box. The upper threadedends of these fastening-rods are passed through the lugs 55 of theannular clamp, and nuts 58 are screwed on said upper ends of the rods inorder to draw the hooks thereof into engagement with the box and toconfine the annular clamp rmly in place on the upper edge thereof.

It will of course be understood that the shape of the clamp 54 may bevaried to conform to the straight rectangular box shown by Fig. l0, whenthe lugs 44 50 are omitted and the rods 56 are used to fasten the clampupon the rectangular box. I would therefore have it understood that Ireserve the right to use either solid or divided clamps in adapting myinvention to terra-cotta boxes which may be either circular orrectangular in form, and in either construction of the clamp or theterra-cotta box I may employ the short bolt 51 or the elongated rods 56.The divided or solid clamp affords a substantial protection to the upperedge of the terra-cotta box to prevent the same from chipping orbreaking, and said clamp or clamps are adapted to receive the cover,which may rest thereon in a position for the slidable bolt of said coverto project into engagement with the lower face of the clamp, said boltbeing operated by means of the spindle and key, so that it may beprojected or retracted to fasten or release the cover, as may bedesired.

Changes in the form, proportion, size, and the minor details ofconstruction within the scope of the appended claims may be resorted towithout departing from the spirit or sacriiicing any of the advantagesof this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim is- 1. A street -boxfor underground mains comprising complemental box-sections fittedtelescopically together, the lower section of said box provided at itsupper open end with an enlarged mouth, and the upper box-section havingat its lower end the alined recesses, and a filling adapted to occupythe enlarged portion of the lower box-section, substantially asdescribed.

2. A street-box for service-mains provided with a flange at its upperend, a cover provided With guides, a locking-bolt slidably fitted tosaid guides, an operating-spindle journaled in said cover, and a curvedarm fast with said spindle and engaging with the slidable bolt forretracting or projecting the latter into or from engagement with theflange of the street-box, substantially as described.

3. In a street-box for underground mains, a cover provided withbolt-guides, a spindle journaled in the cover, a curved arm fast withthe spindle to turn therewith, and a slidable bolt supported at itsouter end by guides and at its inner end by engagement with the curvedarm, substantially as described.

4. In a street-box for underground mains, a cover provided Withbolt-guides, an operating-spindle journaled on the cover and carrying acurved arm, stops fast with the cover lying in the path of the curvedarm to limit the travel thereof, and a bolt fitted to the guides andconnected to the arm, substantially as described.

5. In a street-box for underground mains, a cover provided withbolt-guides, a spindle mounted in the cover to turn therein, a slidablebolt confined in the guides and connected operatively with the spindle,and stops for limiting the turning movement of the spindle in the cover,substantially as described.

6. The combination of a street-box, a metallic clamp secured thereto,and a cover fitted to said clamp and provided with a locking devicewhich is adapted to engage with the clamp, substantially as described.

7. The combination of an earthenware box, a two-part metallic clampembracing said box and having its members separably joined together, acover fitted to said clamp, and a locking contrivance supported by thecover and arranged to engage with the clamp, substantially as described.

S. The combination of a street-box, a twopart clamp having its membersfitted together at their contiguous ends by overlapping joints andsealed by a suitable filling, means for separably connecting'the membersof said clamp together and to the street-box, a cover, and a lockingcontrivance carried by the cover and engaging with the flange affordedby the clamp, substantially as described.

9. Aterra-cotta street-box of uniform Width or diameter throughout itslength and pro- IOO IIO

ISO

tIS

vided at its upper end with the exterior lugs arranged in series on theoutside of said box, for the purpose described, substantiallyas setforth.

10. The combination of a street-box, a metallic clamp tted to the upperend thereof, means for fastening said clamp removably to said box, and acover seated on the clamp and having a bolt adapted to be projected intoengagement therewith, substantially as described.

11. The combination with a street-box provided with a series of lugs,one of which is slotted, a clamp seated on the box and having lugs whichengage With the lugs of the box, one of the lugs on the clamp adapted toregister with the slotted lug of the box, and

the bolt passing through said lug of the cover and the slotted lug toremovably conine the clamp in place, substantially as described.

12. The combination of a street-boX,a clamp Iitted thereto, lugs on oneof said parts, fastenings engaging With the other part and with saidlugs, and a cover seated on the clamp and provided With a locking deviceadapted to engage with said clamp, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixedmy signature in the presence of two Witnesses.

CHARLES HENRY CAMPBELL.

Witnesses:

D. H. ANDERSON, FRED NASH, J r.

